THEIR first hit-out of the season unearthed some promising signs for Berwick Hawks football coach Shaun Smith in their practice match against Diamond Valley.
A combined seniors/reserves practice match was played at Edwin Flack Reserve over six-terms between the Hawks and the Creekers, with no scores recorded but plenty of positives taken from the match.
Smith is impressed with the attitude of the group leading into their VWFL round one season opener against Melbourne Uni on Sunday 7 April, with the feeling among the players standing the team in good stead.
“Very impressed with the girls,” Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of new girls to our club and the spirit and the vibe in the rooms and out on the ground was really good and I was really impressed.
“The main factor is the girls played some really good footy and the general vibe at the place is really exciting at the moment.”
Alicia Hines, Chloe McMillan, Karly Tapner and Georgia Punton especially stood out to the coach, with the latter’s interrupted pre-season not affecting her match day tenacity.
“Georgia Punton had an interrupted pre-season with commitments elsewhere and she played unbelievably,” Smith said. “Played on the wing and down forward which was good as she usually plays half back.
“Karly Tapner was pretty good and that’s the exciting thing, there’s some young girls coming through and some new blood at the club as well.”
Smith said Hawks’ on-field leaders Romy Timmins and Ash Fennell also accumulated the ball in their usual manner.
An intra-club match this weekend will be the final preparation before the season opener with the club still accepting any players who want a game with the Hawks in 2013.
All interested players are encouraged to contact Smith on 0407 040 525 for more information.
– JARROD POTTER
